Lunchtime Must-Trys
Mythical ‘Wich
113 E. Main St., Branson, 417-544-0245
Cuisine: Sandwiches
The sandwiches are creative at this Missouri cryptid–themed eatery. The Firebird Chicken sammy is an indulgence, topped with spicy grilled chicken, bacon, jalapeños, pepper-jack cheese, grilled onions and more. The Bodega sandwich is their riff on a cheesesteak, made with local Snake River Farms wagyu beef. There are also breakfast sandwiches and a few salads.
Billy Bob’s Dairy Land
1829 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-337-9291
Cuisine: Retro diner
This Branson mainstay has had a spot on the Strip since the 1960s, and they’re known for juicy griddle burgers. Order them with grilled onions—they are a must-try addition. You can also find handmade milkshakes, fried pies and blackberry cobbler for dessert. This spot is cash only.
Sugar Leaf Bakery
2800 W. 76 Country Blvd., Suite 211, Branson, 417-336-6618
Cuisine: Bakery cafe
Start your day with a handcrafted espresso drink, like the honey lavender latte. For lunch, get the classic Reuben sandwich, or dig into the Fig and Apple Harvest Salad. The Campfire Cookie topped with a toasted homemade marshmallow is what dreams are made of.
Food Plus Fun
The Social Birdy
1250 Branson Hills Parkway, Branson, 417-208-2500
Cuisine: American
You can spend all day at The Social Birdy. First, fuel up with super-loaded burgers, fried chicken sandwiches (our rec: the B-Town Hot Chicken Sandwich with pickled red onions and a spicy sauce), pulled pork nachos and more. Then have some fun on the pickleball courts, golf simulators and putt-putt course.
Devil’s Pool Restaurant
Located at Big Cedar Lodge, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-339-5141
Cuisine: Southern homestyle
Here, the cornbread with smoked bacon and maple butter makes the perfect shareable app, and the house-smoked St. Louis–style ribs steal the show as a main course. After your meal, take advantage of the fun at Big Cedar Lodge by strolling the paths around the resort or heading up to the Fun Mountain area for bowling, go-karts, a zipline and more.
Arnie’s Barn
Located at Top of the Rock, 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, 417-348-3730
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Enjoy Table Rock Lake views while you indulge in the choriqueso appetizer (a green chili queso topped with chorizo, jalapeños and cilantro crema). The birria quesadilla is another favorite. And since this spot is located at Top of the Rock, you can explore Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, visit the on-site Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum and more while you’re there.
Pizza
Ozark Mountain Pizza
5378 State Highway 265, Branson, 417-386-4210
Cuisine: Hand-tossed pizza
The bacon cheeseburger pizza is so addictive, with its combo of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, mustard, bacon, beef, pickles and onions. For white pizza fans, the Ozark Mountain Spinach is delish, topped with Alfredo sauce, artichoke hearts, fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese. Also on the menu: sandwiches, salads and pasta.
Mr. G’s Chicago Pizza & Pub
202 ½ N. Commercial St., Branson, 417-335-8156
Cuisine: Chicago-style pizza
With a thick pan-style crust and an absolute abundance of toppings, the Chicago-style pies here are an indulgence. For something classic, go with Mr. G’s Favorite, which is loaded with pepperoni and Italian sausage with lots of veggies too. For something more unexpected, try the pulled pork pizza with green peppers, red onion, barbecue sauce and pulled pork.
PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub
409 Branson Landing Blvd., Unit 309, Branson, 417-263-3287
Cuisine: Stone-baked pizza
Stone-baked pizza is the main event here, and it’s offered with creative topping combinations. Any pizza made with the homemade meatballs will be a winner, and the apple-bourbon pulled pork pizza is a fun break from the expected. Save room for the brown butter chocolate chip cookies, which are baked fresh to order in the pizza oven.
Straight from the Smoker
Gettin’ Basted
2845 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-320-6357
Cuisine: Barbecue
The team behind Gettin’ Basted has won their fair share of barbecue competitions. The tender brisket is a customer favorite, and the burnt ends are mouthwateringly delicious. Look for fun twists on barbecue, like the pulled pork tacos or the Basted Nachos—and order a side of poblano cream corn brûlée.
Old 76 Smokehouse
9273 State Highway 76, Branson West, 417-338-1071
Cuisine: Barbecue
Come in early. This spot is known to sell out of its freshly smoked meats—especially the super-popular brisket. For something old-school, try the smoked bologna sandwich. As for side dishes, the homemade pit beans and the corn casserole have lots of fans.
Big D’s BBQ
1550 State Highway 248, Branson, 417-337-5100
Cuisine: Barbecue
The ribs? Memphis-style. The brisket? Texas-style. The burnt ends? Addictive. This local spot also offers some fun appetizers, like nachos made with pork rinds or pork egg rolls. The Pitmaster sandwich is a favorite, topped with sausage, brisket and spicy jalapeños.
Casual Dining
Downing Street Pour House
24 Downing St., Hollister, 417-320-6106
Cuisine: Pub fare
Located inside a charming old Tudor-style building, this spot owned by the team behind Gettin’ Basted serves excellent gastropub fare. Try the giant soft pretzel or one of the wagyu burgers (like the D Street Burger topped with arugula, goat cheese and honey). The nachos made with crispy kettle chips are a shareable fave.
Walkers
112 W. Main St., Branson, 417-213-0129
Cuisine: Walking tacos
This zombie-themed restaurant specializes in walking tacos. You choose the base size, and then you pick the toppings you want. The extensive list includes the expected (ground beef, pico de gallo, shredded cheese) and the unexpected (Mexican street corn, spicy guacamole, fresh habanero peppers).
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar
301 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-334-4478
Cuisine: Bar and grill
The menu is packed with variety (entree salads, steaks, burgers, pasta and more), but the most fun way to dine at Big Whiskey’s is to bring some friends and share lots of apps. The white queso spinach dip, the fried pickles and the chicken bacon ranch fries are perfect for this.
Dining and Cooking